How to compare quotes from different ULPAs?

For the same model of ULPA, the quotations from two companies are quite different. This situation is very common in the procurement process.

The difference does not necessarily mean which company is quoting randomly. It is more likely that the two quotes correspond to different things . Grades may be marked differently, detection ranges may be different, and packaging and delivery methods may be different. Before comparing prices, first align the technical conditions and delivery scope, otherwise the numbers themselves are not comparable.

First make a parameter table of the same caliber

Organizing the technical parameters of several quotations into a table is the most basic step.

Grades and Standards. Is it U15, U16 or U17? According to EN 1822 or ISO 29463? The standard versions are different, and the corresponding relationship between grade marks needs to be confirmed. For specific correspondence methods, please refer to the relevant instructions for standard grade correspondence.

Dimensions and construction. The length and width of the outer frame, whether there are partitions, sealing method, and filter material type. These are not uniform, and the price difference may come from material or construction rather than grade.

Air volume and resistance. What is the design air volume corresponding to the quotation? What are the initial resistance and final resistance at this air volume? Only a resistance number is given, and without air volume conditions, this data cannot be used.

Overall efficiency and local leak detection. What testing items are included in the quotation? The overall efficiency report and local leak detection are two different things. The scope of coverage and report format are different, and the price will be different.

Once these parameters are aligned, only by looking at the price can we judge whether the difference comes from the product itself.

Confirm which services are included

The numbers on the quotation often only correspond to the product itself. Whether the following are included needs to be confirmed one by one.

Test report form. Is it one report per unit, or batch summary? Some projects require unit-by-unit traceability, and the workload and cost of such delivery vary. The detailed level of inspection data directly affects the quotation.

Packaging and shipping. Large-sized products, liquid tank sealing products, and products requiring special protection have higher packaging requirements. Whether packaging is included and how it is used will be reflected in the price.

Non-standard molds or samples. If the product is non-standard customization, it may involve mold opening or sample production. Whether this part of the cost is listed separately varies from company to company.

On-site service. Are installation instructions and on-site leak detection included? If the project requires suppliers to cooperate with on-site verification, this part of the labor and travel expenses must also be stated in advance.

Spare parts and subsequent supply. Does the quote include spare parts? How to calculate the price and cycle of subsequent replenishment? Long-term projects should focus on this one.

The price difference is explained by the different scope of delivery. You can’t just compare a total price, you have to look at what is included behind the price.

Check item adaptation beyond price

If the price is low, it may not be suitable; if the price is high, it may not be the best. It also depends on whether the product truly matches the project needs.

Non-standard verification and traceability. If it is a non-standard product, the drawing confirmation process, sample verification rounds, and change management methods will all affect subsequent communication costs. Are these aspects reflected in the quotation?

Spare parts interface consistency. If the project is purchased in batches or needs to be replenished later, are the filter element interfaces of different batches consistent? Is it possible that the sealing structure and installation dimensions will change? This is related to the convenience of subsequent maintenance.

How to communicate material changes. For long-term supply projects, how to notify and confirm when the material batch changes? This process may not be completely determined at the quotation stage, but it can be agreed upon in the technical agreement.

Project adaptation is more important than simply low price. For a low-priced product that does not meet the testing requirements, the cost of subsequent re-testing or replacement may exceed the original price difference saved.

Include long-term costs in the comparison

The purchase price is only a portion of the total cost.

Operating energy consumption. The resistance is related to the actual working point of the fan. Products with high resistance may have higher energy consumption in long-term operation. Supporting FFU fan filter unit system, the filter element resistance will also affect the air volume output and control strategy of the unit.

Replacement frequency and downtime costs. Service life is affected by inlet dust and maintenance conditions. Frequent replacement not only increases the purchase cost of filter elements, but also involves downtime losses. For continuous production, the cost of downtime may be higher than the price of the filter element itself.

Maintenance and inspection costs. On-site leak detection, daily monitoring, and spare parts management are also part of the operating costs. Device-side applications such as For EFU equipment-side fan filter units , replacement often involves equipment downtime, and maintenance costs may be weighted higher.

involving When selecting HEPA/ULPA air filters , it is recommended to look at the purchase price, operating cost and maintenance cost together, rather than just comparing the unit price.

Project judgment example

Common situation: One quote includes packaging and shipping, the other does not. If directly compared with the unit price of the product, the former seems more expensive, but after adding packaging and transportation, the actual difference may not be big. When comparing prices, the delivery conditions should be brought to the same level.

Selection and Acceptance Checklist

About Aili Industrial’s quotation cooperation

Whether the quotations can be compared depends on the technical conditions and delivery scope being clearly stated.

Aili Industrial's manufacturing system covers filters, motors, fans, control systems and complete machine assembly, and can provide ULPA ultra-high efficiency filter and supporting air supply equipment. When quoting, you can indicate the grade, test conditions, delivery materials and numbering rules according to project requirements. Filters and FFU fan filter unit、When the EFU equipment-end fan filter unit is matched, the supply scope of the complete machine and filter element can be confirmed uniformly.

Clarifying technical parameters, testing requirements and delivery conditions when enquiring, will help obtain comparable quotes. The specific price and scope of supply shall be subject to the formal quotation and contract agreement.